HTA Lecture: “Freedom to Save the Body (of Christ): The Rhetorical Chemotherapy of Archbishop Salvatore Cardileone”

Dr. Brandon Knight will present the 2026 Humanities Teacher Award lecture for William Carey University titled “Freedom to Save the Body (of Christ): The Rhetorical Chemotherapy of Archbishop Salvatore Cardileone.”

“Freedom to Save the Body (of Christ): The Rhetorical Chemotherapy of Archbishop Salvatore Cardileone” is a rhetorical analysis of a homily presented by the archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone, at the Walk for Life West Coast a few months prior to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. From this research, he argues that, whereas Cordileone’s early discourse displays patient casuistic rhetoric with members of his diocese, he transitions to the prophetic voice in his WLWC homily because of Catholic pro-choice adherents with political standing and influence, like the-then Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Acting in the lineage of the prophets, Cordileone uses a rhetorical chemotherapy to save the body of Christ and uphold the culture of life.

The lecture will take place on the  William Carey University campus on March 5, 2026, at 1 p.m.